This article from Popular Mechanics Dec 2009:
Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory seeking ways to study the effects of weightlessness on astronauts have succeeded in levitating small mice using a 17-tesla magnet. The magnetic field is so strong that it affects the water in the animal's tissues prompting a repulsive magnetic force that suspends the rodent in the air. It takes a superconducting magnet operating at minus 456 F to float a 10 gram mouse within a 2.6 inch bore, which is kept at room temperature. The magnetic field is applied evenly to keep the mice hovering in place, and scientists say rodents acclimate to the test in about four hours. Lessons learned could prevent astronaut bone deterioration during long missions.
Geez...I can't wait until zero G rooms!!! Don't know if I want to be in that kind of magnetic force though!...Comments?
Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory seeking ways to study the effects of weightlessness on astronauts have succeeded in levitating small mice using a 17-tesla magnet. The magnetic field is so strong that it affects the water in the animal's tissues prompting a repulsive magnetic force that suspends the rodent in the air. It takes a superconducting magnet operating at minus 456 F to float a 10 gram mouse within a 2.6 inch bore, which is kept at room temperature. The magnetic field is applied evenly to keep the mice hovering in place, and scientists say rodents acclimate to the test in about four hours. Lessons learned could prevent astronaut bone deterioration during long missions.
Geez...I can't wait until zero G rooms!!! Don't know if I want to be in that kind of magnetic force though!...Comments?
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